Trump halts Iran strike, pushes for deal

ISLAMABAD: More than two years after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government took office, repeated predictions about its imminent collapse have yet to materialize, even as fresh deadlines continue to dominate Pakistan’s political debate. Since the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition assumed power following the February 2024 general elections, political commentators, television analysts, and social media personalities have frequently forecast the government’s downfall. The expected timelines have varied—from 90 days to six months and beyond—but each prediction has ultimately passed without bringing the anticipated political change. Over time, different events have been presented as potential turning points, including IMF reviews, the federal budget, economic challenges, coalition disagreements, opposition campaigns, and speculation surrounding Pakistan’s political establishment. As one deadline expired, another quickly emerged, keeping the narrative alive despite the government’s continued survival. The latest claim suggests the government has been given six months to create new provinces. However, constitutional experts argue that such a proposal is highly unlikely within that timeframe. Under Pakistan’s Constitution, altering provincial boundaries requires a constitutional amendment approved by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament as well as the consent of the relevant provincial assembly. Given the current political landscape and the absence of broad political consensus, analysts believe such a move faces significant constitutional and political hurdles. Political observers note that earlier forecasts were largely driven by concerns that the coalition lacked the strength to withstand inflation, IMF-linked reforms, and mounting economic pressures. Yet the government has managed to navigate successive economic and political challenges, prompting critics to repeatedly revise their predictions rather than abandon them. Speculation has also been fueled by statements from several political figures and commentators who have periodically hinted at major political developments or institutional changes. Although such claims have often generated widespread public discussion, none of the predicted political upheavals have occurred. In recent weeks, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has intensified its criticism of the federal government, particularly amid growing tensions with its coalition partner during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir election campaign. While the PPP has adopted a tougher political tone, analysts caution that electoral rhetoric and coalition disagreements do not necessarily signal the immediate collapse of the federal government. Rumors about possible alternatives to the current leadership have also surfaced repeatedly. Claims that a new political figure was being prepared to replace Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with speculation about the removal of senior cabinet members, have circulated over the past year. However, none of those predictions have been borne out by subsequent developments. Analysts say the recurring cycle of political forecasts reflects a broader trend in Pakistan’s political discourse, where speculation often outpaces reality. While acknowledging that every government faces political and economic challenges, they note that repeated predictions of the coalition’s imminent fall have consistently failed to match events on the ground, leaving each passing deadline followed by yet another countdown.

  ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government paid a total of Rs6,405 billion to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in capacity payments between 2020 and 2025, the National Assembly has been informed, highlighting the growing financial burden associated with the country’s power sector. According to a written response submitted by Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Leghari, capacity payments increased significantly during the five-year period despite government efforts to renegotiate power purchase agreements and reduce electricity costs. The figures presented to the National Assembly show that capacity payments rose from Rs613.9 billion in FY2020-21 to Rs1,807 billion in FY2024-25. This represents an increase of approximately 194% over the period. The government paid Rs613.9 billion in capacity charges during FY2020-21. The amount increased to Rs775.9 billion in FY2021-22 before rising sharply to Rs1,307 billion in FY2022-23. Capacity payments reached their highest level during FY2023-24, when the government paid around Rs1.902 trillion to IPPs. Although the amount declined slightly in FY2024-25 to Rs1.807 trillion it remained almost three times higher than the amount paid in FY2020-21. Capacity payments are charges made to power producers for keeping their generating plants available to supply electricity, regardless of whether the full generation capacity is actually utilised. These payments are part of the contractual arrangements between the government and IPPs and have frequently been identified as one of the factors contributing to Pakistan’s expensive electricity system and growing circular debt. Responding to questions in the National Assembly, Energy Minister Awais Ahmad Leghari said the government has taken several measures to reduce the financial pressure created by existing power agreements. According to the minister, a government task force has terminated power purchase agreements with six IPPs, while agreements with several other producers have also been revised. The objective of these measures is to reduce electricity costs and limit the financial burden on the national power sector. The Ministry of Energy estimates that the changes made to the agreements could result in savings of approximately Rs4.3 trillion over the remaining life of the contracts. Leghari also clarified that payments made to power producers are based on tariffs determined by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) and the terms agreed under the relevant power purchase agreements. He rejected the impression that generators were receiving payments outside the approved contractual and regulatory framework, stating that there were no additional payments beyond the applicable arrangements. Despite the government’s renegotiation efforts, the figures show that capacity payments continue to represent a major financial obligation for Pakistan. The Rs1.807 trillion paid in FY2024-25 alone demonstrates the scale of the challenge facing the country’s power sector. The government’s efforts to terminate and revise agreements are expected to provide substantial savings in the coming years. However, reducing capacity payments and addressing the broader issues of electricity pricing, power utilisation and circular debt remain critical challenges for Pakistan’s energy sector.

A tragic incident occurred in Chak 33 SP, a village in Pakistan’s Pakpattan district, where the roof of an old and dilapidated house collapsed during heavy rainfall, claiming the lives of two young children and leaving their mother seriously injured. The heartbreaking accident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by weak and poorly maintained structures, particularly during the monsoon season when continuous rain often weakens aging buildings. According to rescue officials, the incident took place while rain was falling in the area. The roof of the deteriorating house suddenly gave way, trapping members of the family beneath the debris. Neighbors rushed to the scene immediately after hearing the loud crash and attempted to help the victims before emergency rescue teams arrived. Rescue personnel quickly launched an operation to remove the debris and recover those trapped inside the collapsed house. After an intensive rescue effort, two children were pulled from the rubble but were found to have died from their injuries. Their mother, who was also trapped under the collapsed roof, was rescued alive but sustained serious injuries. Rescue sources confirmed that the bodies of the deceased children and the injured woman were shifted to a nearby hospital. Medical teams provided emergency treatment to the injured mother, while the children’s bodies were handed over for the necessary legal and medical procedures before being released to the family for burial. The tragic deaths have left the local community in deep shock and mourning. Residents gathered at the site to assist rescue workers and expressed grief over the heartbreaking loss of two innocent lives. Many locals also voiced concerns about the condition of old houses in the area, noting that numerous families continue to live in unsafe structures because they cannot afford repairs or reconstruction. Heavy monsoon rains frequently expose the vulnerability of aging homes across many parts of Pakistan. Weak roofs and deteriorating walls become increasingly unstable after prolonged rainfall, increasing the risk of collapse. Such incidents often result in injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage, particularly in rural areas where many houses are built with older construction materials and receive little maintenance. Authorities have repeatedly advised residents living in damaged or structurally weak buildings to take precautionary measures during periods of heavy rainfall. However, financial constraints often prevent families from repairing or rebuilding their homes, leaving them exposed to life-threatening risks whenever severe weather strikes. Disaster management experts stress the importance of inspecting old buildings before and during the monsoon season. Timely repairs, stronger construction standards, and public awareness campaigns can help reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies. Local administrations are also encouraged to identify vulnerable structures and provide assistance to families living in hazardous conditions. The incident in Chak 33 SP serves as another painful reminder of the devastating consequences that aging infrastructure and extreme weather can have on vulnerable communities. As the injured mother continues to receive medical treatment, the family and the entire village are grieving the loss of the two children whose lives were cut short in the tragic roof collapse. The unfortunate event underscores the urgent need for improved housing safety measures and greater support for families residing in unsafe homes, particularly during Pakistan’s annual monsoon season.